If you see an Omega Constellation model 14747 in the wild, stalk
and run it down because you'll be one of the few people ever to hold this rare
species in captivity.If you find two,
consider a breeding program! If one
happens to be clinging to the wrist of its custodian please use means of
persuasion other than homicide to facilitate the separation process - the offering
of money suggests itself as a better alternative.

I first stumbled over a pink gold-capped version of the
14747 in the mid-2000s (see picture above). Later, I encountered a stainless
steel version with pink gold dial furniture and medallion in June 2008. Since then,
I have seen a total of three further examples, two of which were in stainless steel.

As the comparatively rare model 2887 is the screw-in case back version
of the calibre 505 model 2852, so the 14747 is the screw-in contemporary of the
calibre 504 powered 2493. Unlike the
2887 which encases a 29mm dial, the 14747 takes the same dial as the 2943.

I am told that the 14747 came in all metals, and while I
have seen pink and yellow gold capped and stainless steel cases I am yet to
catch sight of a solid gold version.

All non-solid-gold pieces feature a 14 karat gold medallion
on the case back. Stainless steel models pick up the colour of the dial furniture. In the case of rhodium plated markers and hands, the medallion is yellow gold.

Only 25,000 pieces of the calibre 504 were made, the vast
majority of which appeared in the press-in case back model 2943. It is a testament to the rarity of the 14747 that this model seldom,
if ever, finds its way into global internet or physical auction
markets. Even a search using that one trick pony, Google, will reveal little of
value amongst the standard commercial detritus polluting its pages.

Omega archives indicate that the 14747 was the replacement for the 14397, and while the 14397 does not appear in the Omega vintage database either, it was powered by the calibre 504 and had a screw-in case back too. The 14397 pictured below is the first and only example I have seen. Interestingly, case parts (such as case backs and crystals) for the 14397 are interchangeable with case 14393 which housed the first calibre 561 model.

Model 14397 gold capped. Courtesy Hoi

A plausible explanation for the existence of the two calibre 504 screw-in versions may be that when the decision was made to move exclusively to screw-in cases with the new mid-500 series of calibres Omega designated the remaining calibre 504 inventory to be cased in the screw-in cases 14397, and soon after the 14747.

Hence, it is perfectly acceptable to describe both the 14397 and 14747 as ‘rare’,
and I’m hoping that word alone will trigger a wider search for these
elusive pieces. They are out there. If you encounter one, please click the ‘About Me’ icon and send
an email with pictures!

23 comments:

Hi Desmond, I was wondering if you could share with me how much dayco charges for a movement service? Maybe a ballpark figure? I want to get my new vintage seamaster serviced before I start wearing it.

Pictures are lousy with this listing. Dial may be refinished. Tags are a furphy and box is not a Constellation box. I think you need to study up on these models and have some knowledge before you buy. This website offers you that opportunity

Thanks for a great blog. I found it while trying to determine the model of my late stepfather's Constellation. I believe he bought it new in Singapore in the 60s, and used it as his daily watch, and it ended up sitting in his desk drawer the last few decades.

The watch is similar in appearance to the 3rd watch from the top, on the Omega Constellation 14747 page. Main difference is that mine appears to have the steel case topped with gold. Also, my watch is missing the 'Calendar' text.

I wonder if you could point me to someone reputable who could restore it? I live in Chicago, Illinois, US. Also, what should I state to make it clear that as far as possible, the watch should be restored, and parts not simply replaced?

I expect there is a significant amount of work to be done. For example, the crystal is cracked and pops off. The metal surfaces clearly need re-finishing. I have pictures if that helps.

Much appreciation for the research you've put in your blog - it's been educational.

Hello, my father recently passed away and i remembered i had always admired his watch since i was a young boy. My mother gave it to me this last weekend and i noticed it was an Omega. So i was searching which led me here, but for the life of me can not figure out which style of watch my father had. I know he must of purchased in the early to mid 60's but could be completely wrong, may have been earlier. I have been all over the internet trying to match a picture to it but have had no luck. Here is what i do know. A picture is worth a thousand words, but i don't seea way to upload one on this site with my smart phone.

it's silver or chrome . No date or day indicator. Diamond shapes on the hours. Face has on the top half, Omega symbol, then word Omega. Bottom half says Officially Certified. Chromometer (Spelling) then the name Constellation with a silver star below it. The face is somewhat off white to antiqued, but then I'm terrible with color. The back appears to be solid with no grove looking edges to imply it would unscrew. In the center is a gold or brass observatory with stars above it.

Youre right a picture is worth a thousand words. If you do a post with your email on it I can contact you via that means. I wont publish the post so as to protect you against spam bots picking up your email

I have an Omega Deluxe PiePan which have the number 1 right upper in 2 rows of number: 2852 and 2853, is this edition diferent from normal Omega? Can you identify its value ( i've already sent an email with pics to your mail)

In terms of value, the best way is to do a completed listing search on eBay for the case 2853 (DeLuxe version) Maybe also do a search on the sales forum at OmegaForums for prices thathave been asked for your particularly model.

Hello DesmondI recently came across to an Omega Constellation Chronometer caliber 561 Stainless Steel. Case reference number is ST 168.004 and serial number on movement 2303....; perhaps year 1966.The case size is 36mm without the crown; I m wandering if this model will be considered as jumbo size?The crystal is with the Omega logo on it and the stainless steel bracelet seams to be original too.Dial seams to be in very good and original condition. The hands, not sure if this particular model hands are from this Constellation model or not?I’m wondering if this model is collectable or is a common Constellation?I’m trying to purchase one for my little collection and perhaps I would like to know if this will be a good start for me. I can definitely send images with the watch if you would like, perhaps that will be a good idea so everyone can see it. Any advice from everyone will be very appreciated.Thank you all in advance Doreen

the 168.004 is indeed a collectible watch, particularly if it has a piepan or black dial. 168.004 had either Dauphine (earlier) or Baton (later) and it's likely the hands are original to the watch if it is as serviceable as you have described.

The case size would not be considered Jumbo, but it is larger than its other Constellation contemporaries by about one millimetre.

Many of these models were produced, however there is much interest in Mid-500 series calibres and with bracelet as described it would certainly be an attractive proposition.

Thank you for your response.The hand are Dauphine and the crown is inserted inside the perfectly rounded case.Hands and the ornament lines that represent the hours in the dial are luminous in the dark; still lighting up nicely. The movement is keeping a very accurate time and is looking very clean; perhaps a cleaning/oiling service soon will be a good idea.I’m very impressed with the quality of the dial too; it is perfect with no spots or scratches.I will probably go ahead with this one; I strongly believe for the $500 it will be a good watch to buy.I believe the price is right too. I’ve seen this models selling for much more on eBay and having redials or the dials in poor condition.Best regards

I totally agree, the $500 “is a steal”I’ve checked the dial very carefully and everything seems to be 100% original. The fonds and type are right too. The stainless Steel strap seams to be original from this model but I’m not totally sure about that. It has a 22 number in the logs area and a serial number on the clap buckle 1503 Nr 12 and of course with the Omega logo. I would like to know your opinion about the strap if possible?I actually purchase the watch last night since was a local purchase and not an online one. I’m very happy I did; I believe I made a very good purchase for my little Omega collection.I very much appreciate your help.Thank you again for everything you do on this blog.

I am a long-term collector of vintage Omega watches with a passion for Omega Constellations of the fifties and sixties. This blog is offered as an educational resource for potential and existing collectors who wish to learn more about the brand and avoid the traps and pitfalls of buying in a global market.